Memorize the name of the person who will interview you. Nothing could be more embarrassing than forgetting his name or calling her by the wrong name!

Decide what you will wear. Check out the section titled "Interview Dressing" for some pointers. Be sure your outfit is ready to go.

Find out exactly where you are going, where to park and how long it will take to get there. If you are traveling in an unfamiliar city, it is wise to make a dry run before your interview. Drive to the business, park, find the escalator and time how long all this takes. This will alleviate stress the day of the interview.

Get a good night's sleep.

Arrive 15 minutes early. This not only shows you are prompt, but it also gives you a chance to gain your composure. Be friendly to the receptionist or secretary. They are often asked their opinions!

During the Interview

Start off as a winner. Offer your hand. Give a firm handshake, a pleasant smile and a positive, confident attitude. Introduce yourself.

Be comfortable. Take a seat facing the interviewer, but slightly off center. Be sure you are not facing direct sunlight or in some other uncomfortable situation.

Listen attentively. Look at the interviewer directly, but don't get into a stare down! Sit up straight. Try to relax. It's okay to take a few notes if the questions are lengthy or you need to remind yourself of something you want to stress.

Avoid nervous mannerisms. Pay attention to nervous mannerisms you might have, such as clicking your pen, jingling change in your pocket, twisting your hair, biting your nails. Control these impulses! Everyone is nervous to some extent. The key is to appear calm and collected.

Speak clearly. Use good grammar and a friendly tone. Never answer just "yes" or "no" to a question. Always clarify, expand on your answers. Be sure not to ramble on.

Be positive and enthusiastic. You want to outshine all other candidates, so "turn it on" during the interview! No matter how sterling your credentials are, you won't be hired if the interviewer isn't sold. Pump up your enthusiasm before the interview. Never whine, gripe or complain about past employers, jobs, classes, etc.

Be prepared to ask a few pertinent questions. Do not monopolize the interviewer's time, particularly if you know she has appointments scheduled after your interview. Do ask thoughtful questions. Don't ask about salary and benefits. This can be discussed when the company is definitely interested in you!

Here's a sampling of questions you might ask:

What are the company's greatest strengths?

In what areas is the company trying to improve?

Whom will I report to?

Could you give some examples of projects I would be working on?

How much travel is involved?

Will relocation be required?

What kind of assignments could I expect in the first six months?

What products (or services or stores) are in the development stage?

Is this a new position, or will I be replacing someone?

What is the largest single problem facing your company now?

What qualities are you looking for in a candidate?

What characteristics do successful employees in your company share?

Is there a lot of teamwork?

Describe the advancement opportunities.

What growth areas do you foresee?

Will I be encouraged to attend professional conferences?

Could you describe your training program?

How frequent are performance appraisals?

How do you feel about the company?

Could you describe possible advancements within the company?

What is the next step in the interview process?

What is the company's management philosophy?

What would a typical day be like?

How much contact is there with management?

Is this job a result of increased growth or expansion?

Watch for cues the interview is over. Don't linger if you sense the interviewer is done interviewing you. When it is over, stand up, thank the interviewer for his/her time and shake hands firmly. Don't forget to express interest in being hired. Say you are impressed with the company and would like to work there.

Be sure to find out the next step. Ask the interviewer when the decision will be made, and when you can expect to hear from them. This way you won't be left hanging.

The Interviewer's Hidden Agenda

The following are some typical concerns interviewers have, which you need to address when answering questions. Be sensitive to these concerns, answering all questions in the most positive way to build psychological leverage and position yourself for the offer.

Does the applicant have the ability to do the job?

Can he or she manage people?

How does he or she relate to people?

What kind of a person is this? A leader?

What strengths does he or she have that we need?

Why have there been so many job changes?

In what areas is he or she weak? How will this affect performance?

What contribution has the applicant made?

What are his or her ambitions? Are they realistic?

Does she or he have growth potential?

How is the chemistry between us?

How will other interviewers react?

Should this person get an offer?

After the Interview

Say thanks. The next day, write the interviewer a brief note reiterating your interest in the job. Spell his or her name correctly!

Follow up. If you haven't heard from the interviewer within the time frame indicated at the close of the interview, call her to relay a polite reminder that you're still interested in the job. Ask when they plan to make a hiring decision.

If you aren't hired and if you continue to be interested in the company, it pays to keep in touch with the interviewer. Often, through persistence, you may be offered a position at a later date.

Chin Up. Gear up for your next interview. The more interviews you tackle, the more polished you become. You may want to contact the interviewer who rejected you and see whether you can get any pointers on what to improve before your next interview.